Decorating Worksheet

Dear Decorator,

Out approach is about the way real people decorate. We all want a great look without spending a great deal of time or money, and we all usually approach our projects one room at a time.
Using the our method of decorating, you'll begin to feel more confident with your decorating decisions and try different projects, as every step will help you begin to really enjoy the process of putting together a perfect environment for you and your family.

Your entire home, from the inside out, should reflect the character of your family. In fact, the outside already does, like it or not. So whether you are tackling one room or the entire house, be true to yourself — not fads, friends or well-meaning sales people.

With that in mind, let's take a look at the worksheet. It begins with interior decorating, with the last portion devoted to exterior decorating. Don't forget to attach "before and after" photos. This is one of the most important parts of the worksheet, because you won't believe your eyes when you start comparing. There is also a full page of graph paper for floor plans and sketches. Don't get intimidated; this stuff is easy.

You'll learn through the worksheet and by watching HGTV, that a beautifully decorated interior not only functions well, it creates a mood or feeling and shows off the personality of the family that lives there. It's these three important ingredients — Function, Mood and Personality — that ensure a decorating success.

If you're ready to get started, begin by getting comfortable. Now, spend some time thinking about your family and how you live. Look through magazines for inspiration and pull out ideas or rooms that appeal to you. Gather things from around the house that make you feel good — fabrics, photos, mementos and such. Study them carefully for color cues for your room's color scheme and perhaps a clue to the mood you're looking for in your home. This is the beginning of a well-planned and decorated living area.

You may not find it in an hour or even a week, but the inspiration is there and it's shaped and molded by the people and pets in your home. It's the quirks, habits and things that make your family special that make a house a home.

GETTING STARTED — INSIDE YOUR HOME

Inventory
Every room has something that you need to consider while you are decorating — a carpet color, cathedral ceiling or certain furniture pieces, for example. Take some time to jot down these special needs, so they are fresh in your mind as you get started.

Function
Decorating is more than just eye appeal — it's making a room really work for you. Consider how your room will be used: for TV viewing, eating, resting, entertaining, homework. At the left, jot down your thoughts, being as detailed as possible. For example: Dining Room - entertaining for four to eight guests, buffet style, background music a must, lighting on dimmers.